Unveiling the Importance of Renewable Energy to Solve the Energy Trilemma

The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts a substantial increase in global energy demand as the world population continues to grow. This demand could potentially double by 2050, spanning various sectors such as power, heat, and transport. In response to this challenge, the concept of the energy trilemma emerges as a crucial framework. What is the energy trilemma?

Essentially, the concept illustrates the necessity to tackle the complexities of creating energy policy and adopting renewable energy to meet the rising demand. The energy trilemma encapsulates three vital aspects of energy infrastructure: energy security, environmental sustainability, and affordable energy. This framework aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 7 to ensure universal access to clean and affordable energy. 

Each aspect of the energy trilemma involves a trade-off. Therefore, a careful equilibrium among all three is crucial to sustainably satisfy the increasing energy demand. With the energy trilemma as a guiding principle, how can renewable energy impactfully contribute to achieving it?

Energy Security

Ensuring a reliable and consistent energy supply is vital for meeting the demands of society. Technological innovations, particularly in energy storage solutions like advanced batteries, play a pivotal role in achieving this objective. These advanced batteries provide a practical way to store excess energy during peak production periods, making it available for use during times of low renewable energy generation.

Regarding electric battery production, Indonesia stands out on the global stage with its abundant natural resources. It boasts the world’s largest nickel reserves, the second-largest tin reserves, the sixth-largest bauxite reserves, and the seventh-largest copper reserves. Additionally, Indonesia possesses an impressive renewable energy potential of 437.4 GW and a substantial Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) potential estimated at up to 400 Giga Tons.

Meanwhile, Japan has recognized the critical need for a diversified energy mix. The country responds by investing in various renewable sources such as solar, wind, and biomass. This deliberate shift aims to reduce dependence on a single energy source, contributing to a more resilient and reliable energy landscape.

Environmental Sustainability

Environmental sustainability emphasizes the importance of mitigating the ecological impact of energy production and consumption. Despite its reputation as the more sustainable option, renewable energy can still harm both people and the planet. For instance, the current renewable energy sector urgently needs to address modern slavery and the potential of upstream biodiversity loss.

In the energy trilemma, integrating sustainable practices across the entire life cycle of renewable energy is crucial. How? Some assessment factors to consider that can help minimize the environmental impact of renewable energy components include functional unit, system boundaries, and data quality. 

The functional unit refers to a standardized assessment that quantifies the environmental impact, such as the CO2 emissions, of a system and its lifespan. Meanwhile, system boundaries indicate the operational unit of the manufacturing process, and data quality ensures accurate information about the materials and the device manufacturing process.  

To integrate them, continuous research and development in manufacturing processes, materials, and recycling methods is needed. Moreover, site selection and adherence to best practices in project development can help alleviate potential adverse effects on local ecosystems as well. 

Affordability in Energy Trilemma

Affordability means ensuring that individual consumers and industries can access energy at a cost that is reasonable and manageable. At the same time, energy providers should be able to keep production going comfortably. 

The challenges related to affordability vary significantly between developing and developed nations. Developing nations primarily focus on providing universal and affordable energy access for their populations. On the other hand, developed nations concentrate on sustaining affordability during the transition to cleaner energy sources. 

How does affordability in renewable energy work? Technological progress and the scalability of renewable energy play a crucial role in driving down the costs of clean energy. This reduction makes renewable sources more competitive with traditional options, ultimately enhancing overall affordability. Then, investing in energy-efficient technologies and practices further optimizes energy use, leading to reduced consumption and costs.

Energy for All

Affordable and sustainable energy is a cornerstone for development. It enables diverse communities and nations to actively participate in and reap the benefits of the global shift toward sustainability. In essence, the drive toward affordable and sustainable energy is a dynamic force that not only propels economic development but also ensures a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

Editor: Nazalea Kusuma

If you find our content useful, please consider subscribing to Green Network Asia.
Your subscription will benefit you personally and professionally and can be your best way to support the creation of these publicly available resources.

Subscribe Now